Following the conclusion of funnel week, many bills finally came to the floor this week for a vote. The overwhelming majority of these bills were non-controversial bills, covering a range of topics. Most of these bills passed unanimously. One such bill was Senate File 2201, which made the kidnapping of children 17 and younger a class "B" felony by adding it to the definition of second degree kidnapping. This will require those likely to be repeat offenders to serve longer sentences, in response to the tragic kidnapping and murder of Kathlynn Shepard in May of 2013.

While the bipartisan passage of many bills this week was a breath of fresh air, Iowa Senate Democrats unfortunately continued their record of failed leadership with regard to fiscal stewardship of Iowa taxpayers’ money. Multiple times this week, Democrats pushed for spending increases ranging from two million dollars to 50 million dollars. Since I was elected, I have fought to ensure Iowa’s taxpayers are treated fairly. It is simply not realistic to think government can grow at a rate of ten percent or more, as families see modest increases to their income at best.

Over the past few weeks, the Senate appropriation subcommittees began meeting to discuss the budget for Fiscal Year 2015. Over the next few weeks, the majority parties in both the House and the Senate will release their budget targets for fiscal year 2015. This is the first major step in the budgeting process. Over the next few weeks I will outline the budget proposals and provide updates on the process. Fiscal discipline was a cornerstone of my election and I will continue to fight for responsible budgeting.

You May Also Like

Iowa Secretary of State: Data Does Not Back Up Judicial Watch’s Voter Registration Claim

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate said it’s unfortunate Judicial Watch puts out inaccurate data regarding Iowa voter registration, especially on the day of the Iowa Caucus.

Don’t Throw Religious Liberty Under the Bus in Vaccine Debate

The Des Moines Register ran an editorial on Saturday calling for the end of the religious exemption for vaccines which is a bridge too far in this debate.

New Business Creations Off to Strong Start in Iowa in 2019

Iowa’s Secretary of State’s Office processed 2,195 new business filings last month, just shy of the previous record of 2,204, set in March 2018.

Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal Targeted in 2012

On December 16th, executive committee members of the Pottawattamie County Republican Central…